“We keep playing like that, I don’t see why we wouldn’t make the playoffs.”
“Would be brutal not to after last year's big win.”
“Right,” I say, wondering if this is how Owen felt growing up.
I feel like I’m in my brother’s shadow, living up to his expectations, which are sky high.
When Coach Applegate takes the seat at our table, both of us straighten up as the man eyes us both.
He’s no bullshit, a little grumpy, and relatively intimidating.
“Have you seen my daughter?” he asks both of us.
“Think she was headed to the bathroom the last time I saw her,” I say, and Coach grunts.
“You two played well tonight. Keep it up and this season won’t be a wash like everyone expected it would be.”
“Of course, Coach.”
“And, Connery?”
“Yes, sir?” I respond, wanting to sink into the floor right about now.
“Stop letting your brother get in your head. You’re here because this team needs a strong goalie, and you’re it.”
“Sorry?” I say, more confused than apologetic.
“Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want you talking back to coaching staff or not taking his advice. But grow a fucking backbone,” Coach says before tapping on the table twice and standing up. “I’m headed home. If you see Sloane, let her know I left?”
I nod my head, and Ahonen glances over at me.
“Did Coach just tell you to stop being a pussy?” he asks, and I glance over at the overly nice Canadian, wondering if I’ve ever heard him say that word.
“Did you just say pussy?” I ask him, and he grins.
“I’m kind, but I’m not always a gentleman,” he says with a shrug as he leans back in his seat. “How much longer are we supposed to be here?”
“I’ve got no clue. Where the hell is Sloane?”
CHAPTER 20
Ican’t run to the bathroom fast enough as I hold my hand over my mouth and nose.
My heart rate is erratic and my hands are shaking as I swing open the bathroom door and head to the mirror. I take a hard look at myself as the reality of what I just learned hits me.
Max Connery is my scent match.
His eucalyptus and pine scent was like getting smacked in the face. As soon as I scented him, I felt it.
A pull so undeniable it felt like my only course of action was to run away and take a moment to breathe. If I hadn’t, I’m not sure I’d be able to resist climbing him and begging him to take me right then and there.
Fuck.
The man I’ve already decided is my Alpha hates my scent match.
I turn the faucet on and splash my face with cold water, not caring about fucking up my makeup. I just need to calm down. I need the remnants of his scent to wash away so I can think rationally.
My fingers are gripping the countertop so hard that my knuckles are white. I scream as I look into the mirror. A giantfucking fox stands behind me in my reflection, nearly giving me a heart attack until my brain catches up with my eyes.
